Business Development Director

Business Development Director In a nutshell: IDEO Chicago is looking for a Director of Growth to expand our client portfolio and build a strong pipeline of ambitious, meaningful human-centered design work. Your role is to help us win the right work, build enduring relationships, and create consistent momentum in the market. You’ll identify opportunities, develop early-stage relationships, shape them into real pursuits, and help others do the same. This role requires both doing and enabling. You’ll personally initiate conversations and generate new business, while also strengthening the systems and habits that make growth a shared responsibility across the studio.  We believe business development is a team sport. You’ll work closely with Chicago studio leadership, our Chicago Business Development Lead, the Global Head of Growth, and other BD leaders across IDEO. As Growth Director, you’ll help shape the future of IDEO Chicago — the clients we serve, the challenges we take on, and how we show up in the world. Once here you will: Set direction and drive execution Partner with studio and global leadership to clarify growth priorities, focus areas, and goals Translate strategy into a focused growth plan for the studio Maintain visibility into progress and adjust where needed Generate new leads and start conversations Proactively identify and reach out to prospective clients in priority sectors Build and maintain a strong external network in Chicago and beyond Represent IDEO at events and conferences — and create opportunities for others to do the same Turn informal conversations into qualified early-stage opportunities Activate the broader studio — equipping design and portfolio leaders with tools, messaging, and systems that support proactive growth Developing and landing new business Partner closely with design leaders to shape opportunities from first conversation through signed contract Help determine where to invest energy for the highest impact Strengthen key client relationships Partner with Client Relationship Leads to develop account plans that deepen trust and surface new opportunities Maintain a clear view of early-stage relationships and ensure consistent follow-up Support Directors in reconnecting with former clients or reframing stalled relationships Identify whitespace within existing accounts and help turn it into new work Build growth capability in the studio Model effective growth behaviors and coach others to do the same Strengthen the systems and rhythms that support proactive business development Foster a culture of proactivity, curiosity, and follow-through Relevant Experiences + Skills: Demonstrated experience leading business development, growth, or client partnerships within consulting, design, innovation, or adjacent industries A strong ability to identify opportunities, build relationships, and translate early conversations into meaningful work Experience developing and managing a pipeline from early outreach through...